International Day for biological diversity

International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated annually on May 22nd to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity for the health of the planet and the well-being of all living creatures. The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993 to coincide with the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity, an international treaty aimed at promoting the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. 

Biodiversity is the variety 

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, encompassing all living organisms from the smallest microorganisms to the largest mammals. It includes not only the number of different species but also the genetic diversity within those species, the diversity of ecosystems, and the interactions between different species and their environment.

The loss of biodiversity

The loss of biodiversity is one of the greatest challenges facing the planet today. Human activities such as habitat destruction, over exploitation, pollution, and climate change are causing unprecedented rates of species extinction and ecosystem degradation. 

This loss of biodiversity has serious consequences for human well-being, including the loss of ecosystem services such as food, water, and clean air.

Opportunity to raise awareness

International Day for Biological Diversity is an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect and conserve it. The day is marked by a range of events and activities, including conferences, exhibitions, and educational programs. These events are designed to engage the public, policymakers, and the scientific community in the work of conservation and highlight the importance of biodiversity for the health of the planet and the well-being of all living creatures.

The theme for International Day for Biological Diversity

The theme for International Day for Biological Diversity changes each year to reflect current issues and priorities in biodiversity conservation. Recent themes have included “Our solutions are in nature”, “Biodiversity and sustainable tourism”, and “Biodiversity and climate change”. The themes are intended to raise awareness about the links between biodiversity and other global challenges and to inspire action to address them.

The Theme of Biodiversity Day 2024: “Be part of the Plan”

“Be part of the Plan”, the theme of International Day for Biological Diversity 2024, is a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. That plan referred to opportunities for cooperation and partnerships among diverse actors. 

Be part of the Plan

“Be part of the Plan”, is a call to action for all stakeholders to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also referred to as the The Biodiversity Plan. 

The Biodiversity Plan offers opportunities for cooperation and partnerships among diverse actors. Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, non-governmental organizations, lawmakers, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to highlight the ways in which they are supporting the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan. 

Conclusion

Everyone has a role to play and therefore can Be Part of the Plan.